Low profile tactical illumination device

ABSTRACT

A low profile tactical illumination device includes a lightweight low profile main body having a bottom surface that includes a centrally located concave portion and a pair of Picatinny rail connectors, a plurality of forward projecting light emitting devices are disposed within the main body and a controller for operating the plurality of light emitting devices.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to weapon mountable devices, and more particularly to a low profile illumination device for use with a tactical rail.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Many of today's military style rifles incorporate one or more tactical rails (also known as Picatinny rails and Weaver rails), which allow a user to secure a variety of auxiliary items onto the weapon. Many common examples of devices that utilize these rails include: night vision devices, reflex sights, foregrips, bipods, bayonets, laser spotters and other such items. The inclusion of the Picatinny rail enables the weapon to be turned into a multi-functional platform, which can be customized for a particular mission.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,652 illustrates one embodiment of a weapon mounted Picatinny rail system and a conventional rail cover. As illustrated in background FIG. 1 the weapon 10 can include a one or more Picatinny rails 13 mounted thereon. The Picatinny rail 13 can be defined as a surface provided for the attachment of weapons and weapons system having a series of alternating teeth 13a and grooves 13b. Rail 13 has a cross section that is hexagonal with two sides, namely the top and the bottom of the hexagon, being longer than the other two sides. Teeth 13a and grooves 13b are formed in the top surface, as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the two side surfaces 13c and 13d define shelves for receiving external hardware via a sliding motion. Because Picatinny rails are common in military weaponry as a surface for attaching scopes and spotters, for example, from many manufacturers, the Picatinny rail, and the use thereof is well-known and well-defined. In the present illustration, a scope 15 is secured onto the uppermost rail 13 of the weapon 10.

In some instances, the rails are not incorporated into the original construction of the weapon, and must be added at a later time. One example of such a weapon rail is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,484 for a Universal Mount for Rifle. As described therein, these rails typically include a flattened bar having a major dimension much greater than its minor dimension and having a series of transverse grooves formed across the top section. The rail typically includes a cross section in the shape of a wide hexagon.

Regardless of the type of rail system, one of the most commonly utilized weapon attachments is the weapon mounted flashlight. One example includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,214, to Oz. As shown in background FIG. 2, the conventional system for providing weapon illumination is to secure a flashlight 20 onto the Picatinny rail 13. Although this approach seems logical from a distance, real world use of this arrangement has illustrated several significant drawbacks.

As shown in FIG. 2, the conventional lights 20 incorporate large and heavy flashlights which severely offset the delicate balance of the weapon. By including a heavy bulky object at the end of the weapon, it becomes more difficult for the user to position the weapon in an upright and level orientation for extended periods of time, without suffering from fatigue. Moreover, it is well known that whenever the center mass of a weapon is altered, the accuracy to which the weapon can be utilized, both in terms of aiming and maneuverability is severely affected. In addition to the above, the sheer size and shape of these traditional lights 20 protrude outward from the weapon and affect its streamlined appearance.

Although the shape of the light may seem trivial to the uninitiated, those of skill in the art will recognize that during close quarters combat, a weapon must be able to transition between fighting positions without becoming snagged on clothing and/or obstacles encountered by the weapon holder.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a low profile tactical illumination device that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the devices described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a low profile tactical illumination device. One embodiment of the present invention can include a lightweight low profile main body having a bottom surface that includes a centrally located concave portion for connecting to a weapon mounted Picatinny rail, a plurality of forward projecting light emitting devices, and a controller for operating the plurality of light emitting devices.

Another embodiment of the present invention can include a remotely mountable controller which can be mounted directly to the weapon.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention can include one or more optional illumination devices such as an Infra red light, a laser pointer and a stunning illumination device.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weapon mounted Picatinny rail in accordance with background art that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is side view of a weapon mounted flashlight in accordance with background art.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a low profile tactical illumination device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a low profile tactical illumination device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the low profile tactical illumination device in operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

Although illustrated in operation with a tactical riffle, the invention is not so limiting. To this end, the inventive concepts disclosed herein can be utilized on any type of weapon system having a standardized tactical rail. Several non-limiting examples include machine guns, handguns, rifles and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,652 describes a weapon mounted Picatinny rail system cover, and is incorporated herein by reference. Although not illustrated, any number of devices such as locking tabs, for example, can be included with the device to prevent movement along the rail during use.

Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a low profile tactical illumination device 30 that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the device 30 can include a lightweight hardened main body 31, a plurality of illumination devices 35, one or more control switches 36 and a power source 37 that are in communication via a plurality of internal wires (not illustrated).

The main body 31 can act to securely position each of the elements 35-37 into a compact unit suitable for the rigors of combat. Additionally, the body 31 itself can take any number of distinct shapes, and can be constructed from any number of known materials and methods. In one preferred embodiment, body 31 can be constructed from an extremely lightweight material such as injection molded plastic having a plurality of internal connectors (not shown) for securely positioning each of the elements 35-37. Of course, any number of other materials such as steel and aluminum, for example, can also be utilized.

The main body 31 can include a top surface 31 a having a removable battery cover 31 a 1, a bottom surface 31 b, opposing side surfaces 31 c-31 d, a front side surface 31 e and a back side surface 31 f. In one preferred embodiment, each corner/transition 31 g between surface areas will be rounded so as to avoid any sharp angles/edges which could snag onto clothing and the like.

The bottom surface 31 b can further include a centrally located curved/concave portion 32 extending from the front side surface 31 e to the back side surface 31 f. The concave portion having a pair of opposing rail grips 32 a and 32 b positioned therein. The concave portion 32 will include an overall dimension that is complementary to the dimension of a standard Picatinny rail, and grips 32 a and 32 b being positioned within the concave surface so as to allow the device to slide onto and off of the rail 13 via the shelves 13 c and 13 d.

As shown, a plurality of light emitting devices 35 can be secured within the main body so as to project illumination in a forward direction. To this end, the light emitting devices 35 can preferably be positioned along the front surface 31 e, but can also be positioned along any surface 31 a-31 f and oriented so as to project the light forward (i.e., beyond the front surface 31 e).

In one preferred embodiment, each of the lights 35 can include Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) capable of providing extremely high luminous intensity while drawing very little power as compared with conventional incandescent bulbs. Of course, any number of other illumination devices such as incandescent, Xenon, florescent, and high intensity discharge lights, among others can also be utilized herein.

The device 30 can also include one or more optional and non-traditional light emitting devices 35 a (See FIG. 4). Several suitable examples include Infrared lights, laser pointers and/or stunning illuminators. As defined herein, a stunning illuminator can include any lighting instrument which can function as a less than lethal mechanism by providing an intense short burst of extremely bright light capable of momentarily blinding/stunning an opponent. One suitable example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,866,082, to Eisenberg, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Each of these devices is well known in the art, and can be in communication with the power source 39 and the controller 36.

The device can also include one or more controllers 36 in order to accept user inputs and provide operating instructions to the lights 35. In one preferred embodiment, the controller 36 can include a conventional button/switch located on the top surface 31 a of the main body that is capable of transitioning the device between an “off” and “on” position. Of course the controller can also include any number of multi-function switches capable of operating each of the lighting elements 35 and/or 35 a independently from each other.

In one preferred embodiment, the power source 37 can include one or more DC batteries capable of providing the necessary power requirements to each element of the device 30. The power source being in communication with each of the lighting elements 35 and the controller 36. Although illustrated with regard to circular batteries located along the top surface of the device, this is for illustrative purposes only, as those of skill in the art will recognize that any number of individual batteries ranging from NICAD, NiMH, Alkaline, lithium and rechargeable, among others, can be utilized herein and located within any portion of the device without deviating from the scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the device 30 that further includes a remotely mountable controller 46 and a recharging port 47.

The remotely mountable controller 46 can allow a user to control the operation of the device 30 from a location other than the device main body. In one preferred embodiment, the controller 46 can include a conventional pressure activated on/off switch 46 a that is connected to the device via a connecting wire 46 b. An attachment unit 47 can be secured to the back of the switch 46 a so as to allow the switch to be removably secured to the weapon at a location of the user preference. As described herein, attachment unit 47 can preferably include opposing strips of hook and loop material, each having an adhesive surface for mounting to the switch and weapon. Of course, other known products for securing the switch to the weapon in a removable manner are also contemplated. Although not illustrated, in one alternate embodiment, the switch 46 b can be permanently secured to the weapon via any number of known adhesive materials and/or compression fittings such as screws, for example.

The recharging port 47 can act as an interface for allowing any number of installed rechargeable batteries to receive a charge via a conventional DC battery charger. These devices are well known in the art, and no further description will be provided herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the device 30 in operation. As shown, the device 30 can be mounted onto the existing Picatinny rail 13 of a weapon 10. When so positioned, the streamlined and lightweight design of the device can function to provide illumination without adversely affecting the weight of the weapon, nor presenting a bulky surface area that is likely to snag during close quarters combat. Moreover, when mounted onto the grip 10 a of the weapon, the remotely mountable switch 46 a can operate the device without requiring the user to remove either hand from the weapon at any time. To this end, the switch can be positioned along the surface area normally gripped by a user so as to only require a squeeze to turn the lighting elements 35 and/or 35 a into an “on” or “off” position.

As described herein, one or more elements of the low profile tactical illumination device 30 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others, depending upon the construction materials and manufacturing processes utilized.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A low profile tactical illumination device, comprising: a main body having a bottom surface that includes a centrally located concave portion extending a length thereof; a pair of opposing rail grips located within the concave surface, said rail grips being configured to engage complementary rail shelves of a Picatinny rail; a plurality of light emitting devices secured within the main body, each of said light emitting devices being positioned so as to project illumination beyond a front surface of the main body; and a controller configured to operate the plurality of light emitting devices.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a direct current power source positioned within the main body.
 3. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a recharging port that is in communication with the power source, and said power source includes one or more rechargeable batteries.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the light emitting devices include a light emitting diode.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the light emitting devices includes, at least one of an incandescent, Xenon, florescent, and high intensity discharge light.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the main body is constructed from a lightweight hardened material having only rounded edges, said edges being configured to prevent snagging upon a users clothing.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a laser pointer secured within the main body and positioned so as to project illumination beyond the front surface.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: an infra red light secured within the main body and positioned so as to project illumination beyond the front surface.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a stunning illuminator secured within the main body and positioned so as to project illumination beyond the front surface.
 10. A low profile tactical illumination device, comprising: a main body having a bottom surface that includes a centrally located concave portion extending a length thereof; a pair of opposing rail grips located within the concave surface, said rail grips being configured to engage complementary rail shelves of a Picatinny rail; a plurality of light emitting devices secured within the main body, each of said light emitting devices being positioned so as to project illumination beyond a front surface of the main body; a remotely mountable controller that is in communication with the plurality of light emitting devices via a connecting wire, said controller being configured to be secured directly to a weapon containing the device.
 11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a direct current power source positioned within the main body.
 12. The device of claim 11, further comprising: a recharging port that is in communication with the power source, and said power source includes one or more rechargeable batteries.
 13. The device of claim 10, wherein each of the light emitting devices include a light emitting diode.
 14. The device of claim 10, wherein the controller includes a pressure switch configured to transition the device between an on and off position.
 15. The device of claim 10, further comprising an attachment unit configured to secure the controller to the weapon in a removable manner.
 16. The device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of a laser pointer, an infra red light, and a stunning illuminator that is secured within the main body and positioned so as to project illumination beyond the front surface.
 17. A low profile tactical illumination device, comprising: a Picatinny rail configured to be secured onto a weapon; a main body having a bottom surface that includes a centrally located concave portion extending a length thereof; a pair of opposing rail grips located within the concave surface, said rail grips being configured to engage complementary rail shelves of the Picatinny rail; a plurality of light emitting devices secured within the main body, each of said light emitting devices being positioned so as to project illumination beyond a front surface of the main body; a remotely mountable controller that is in communication with the plurality of light emitting devices via a connecting wire, said controller being configured to be secured directly to the weapon containing the device.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the controller includes a pressure switch configured to transition the device between an on and off position.
 19. The device of claim 17, further comprising an attachment unit configured to secure the controller to the weapon in a removable manner.
 20. The device of claim 17, further comprising: at least one of a laser pointer, an infra red light, and a stunning illuminator that is secured within the main body and positioned so as to project illumination beyond the front surface. 